Moving the Resident from a Bed to a Stretcher or Gurney

Written by Hollie Finders, RN
Hollie Finders is a registered nurse with years of experience working in the health care field. She has degrees in both biochemistry and nursing. After working with patients of all ages, Hollie now specializes in pediatric intensive care nursing. Hollie’s LinkedIn

Procedure

Equipment needed: 2-3 coworkers, bath blanket, stretcher or gurney

Perform hand hygiene.
Explain the procedure to the patient and ask for his or her assistance in following directions.
Lock the bed wheels and raise the bed to a comfortable working height.
Lower the head of the bed until flat. Lower the side rail on the working side.
Cover the patient with a bath blanket and remove the patient’s top sheets.
Loosen the bottom sheet from underneath the patient. Roll the bottom sheet towards the patient.
Align the stretcher next to the patient’s bed. Ensure the side rails are down, the wheels are locked, and that the height of the stretcher matches that of the bed.
Have a coworker or two lower the side rail on the other side of the bed, loosen the bottom sheet, and roll it towards the patient.
Instruct the patient to cross his or her arms across the chest. Ensure the patient is ready for the transfer and inform the patient when it will happen.
With a coworker joining you on your side, reach over the stretcher and grab the roll of sheets. Have the coworkers on the other side of the bed grab the roll of sheets on their side.
On the count of three, have everyone gently lift and slide the patient onto the stretcher. Use proper body mechanics to avoid injury.
Raise the side rails on the stretcher.
Unlock the stretcher’s wheels and transport the patient to the desired destination with the assistance of another coworker. Do not leave the patient alone in the stretcher.

Important Information

Moving a patient from a bed to a stretcher can pose huge safety risks to both the patient and to the health care workers completing the transfer. Always use the appropriate amount of people to complete a transfer, which may vary according to the patient’s weight and/or the facility’s policy. In some cases, a mechanical lift may be needed [1]. Before moving the patient, always ensure that the transfer can occur in one fluid motion. For instance, make certain that there is enough slack on a patient’s oxygen tubing or IV lines to avoid injuring the patient or damaging the equipment.

References

Guidelines for Nursing Homes

More Resources

Sim’s Position

The position a patient is placed in is often ordered by the physician, or recommended by a speech, occupational, or physical therapist. The position dictates whether a patient is sitting, lying, standing; or if they are on their side, back, or prone (face-down). Positioning is also determined by the patient’s current needs, such as: Are they eating? Sleeping? Having surgery on their back? Are they receiving nutrition through a nasogastric tube?

Nail Care (Fingers and Toes) for CNAs

Nail care of both the feet and the hands should be performed as part of the patient’s daily hygiene routine. The status of the patient’s nails can reflect their overall health. Nail issues can also lead to infection that can spread systemically (ex, ingrown nails or fungus). You should never clip a patient’s nails with nail clippers, and always review your institution’s policy about what nail care is allowed.

Handwashing for CNAs

Handwashing is considered the single most important practice to prevent the spread of infection. Even when hands look clean, they could potentially be crawling with dangerous microorganisms and pathogens. Using soap and friction during handwashing helps loosen the oils on the skin, allowing dirt and pathogens to be rinsed away.

Measuring and Recording Output from a Urinary Drainage Bag

Accurate measurement of urination (aka, the output portion of intake and output) allows medical personnel to assess kidney and bladder function. Changes in output quantity or quality can reflect health status changes including new-onset infection or renal injury.

Making an Occupied Bed

If a patient is bedridden or on bedrest, the bed linens will need to be changed while the patient is in the bed. For safety reasons, the nurse’s aid should avoid making an occupied bed if the patient is able to get out of bed. Bed linens should be changed according to the facility’s policy or anytime they are wet or soiled.

Supine Position

Supine position is a natural and comfortable position for most people. For this reason, it is a highly utilized position for nursing procedures. Unfortunately, this position puts pressure on many bony prominences that can lead to discomfort and/or pressure ulcers if the pressure is not relieved every so often (typically every two hours or less).